Packaging and display system

ABSTRACT

A packaging is provided for the transport, storage and display of rounded articles. The packaging may include an elongated arm, a gripping portion and a mounting portion. The packaging may be configured to be stacked onto other packagings of like structure. The packaging may also be configured for mounting to a vertical surface.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/323,378 filed on Apr. 13, 2010, theentirety of the contents of that application being hereby expresslyincorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to packaging for spherical orrounded articles, and more specifically to stackable packaging for ballobjects that employs a relatively low amount of packaging materialswhile providing a stackable and mountable packaging structure for use ineither or both of shipping and displaying of articles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The packaging of articles, such as ball objects, having curved orrounded features and minimal or no flat surfaces presents a number ofchallenges. Generally, articles are packaged in a way that minimizespackaging material and associated costs by designing packaging that hasa shape similar to the articles placed within the packaging. However, bypackaging a curved article in a correspondingly curved package, thepackages are rarely stackable and the packages may also be likely toshift and move during storage, shipping and/or display. As a result,rounded articles are often placed into generally box-like packagingmaterials having squared (e.g., angular) corners or folded edges so thatthe packaging rests on one or more flat surfaces during shipping,storage and display, and is spaced from an adjoining package by a spaceincluding that occupied by the corners. Thus, in order to create a flatsurface for purposes of stacking the articles as required for effectiveshipping, storage and retail display, substantial amounts of extrapackaging material and additional empty packaging space are oftenrequired. The empty packaging space that results from packaging arounded article in a generally box-like package having angular cornersand/or folded edges is also particularly susceptible to crushing (e.g.,at corners having empty space not filled by any article) and deformationduring the storing, shipping and/or display process. Any deformed ordamaged packages are less attractive for retail display and may be lesslikely to sell the enclosed article given that customers may assume thatthe enclosed article has been somehow damaged.

In addition to the challenges presented above with regard to the use ofgenerally box-like squared packaging for rounded objects, retail displayissues are also of concern. Angular cornered and/or folded edgepackaging typically will employ a horizontal support surface such as ashelf. Boxes can be stacked or placed onto shelves, but a horizontalsupport surface is almost always required. Further, as the number ofproducts and brands continues to increase, many retail establishmentsare forced to limit display sizes. The number of articles that can bedisplayed for sale is often limited by pre-existing shelf space andinventory warehouse storage frequently needed, typically again in ashelf-storage arrangement. Larger packaging may limit the number ofarticles that may fit within a display, thus providing motivation tolimit packaging size in an effort to maximize the number of articlesthat can fit in a given display area.

Yet another issue with the packaging of rounded articles (and many othertypes of articles commonly packaged in paper-based packaging) pertainsto product returns. Once an article is purchased, most standardpaper-based packagings become destroyed or at least damaged so that thepackaging cannot be effectively replaced into its original functioningform. Specifically, in the case of packaging commonly associated with,rounded athletic equipment (e.g., basketballs, baseballs, footballs,golf balls, soccer balls, volleyballs and the like), once a consumerremoves the equipment from its packaging (or if a packaging is damagedprior to purchase) it is often impossible to return the article towithin the packaging without some damage to the packaging or indicationthat the packaging has been opened. In this regard, traditionalpackaging for many articles, such as inflatable ball objects isdisposable. The packaging serves a single purpose during its life andupon consumer purchase it is irreversible destroyed and unable to serveany later purpose.

An additional consideration related to the packaging of inflatable ballsis the desire to use packaging that allows the ball to be visible sothat a consumer can see the ball within the packaging. Thus, inflatableballs are often packaged so that logos and brand names printed onto theballs are visible to consumers viewing the packaging. It is thusdesirable that the inflatable balls do not spin within the packaging sothat logos and brand names are not obscured from consumer view. It isfurther desirable that a packaging allows for the provision of productinformation on or attached to the packaging.

As examples of traditional packaging for a rounded article, U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,779,726; 5,322,210; and 6,644,473 each disclose angular (e.g.,squared) packagings, generally for use with balls. The drawingsassociated with each of these packagings include box-like coveringswhich create at least one flattened surface for stacking and shelving.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,528 discloses a folded display container for usewith spherical articles. The packaging appears to make use of lesspackaging material by limiting the size of the box-like packaging.

As examples of ball display/storage units, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,207,446 and7,500,570 disclose mountable ball holders. The structures appear to belimited to certain applications.

Accordingly, in view of the above, there exists a need for productpackaging which overcomes some or all of the above drawbacks in the art.For example, there is a need for a packaging that reduces the overallpackaging material and empty space that is so often associated withpackaging for rounded articles. There is also a need for a productpackaging that allows for maintaining articles in a stacked arrangementwithout requiring squared corners and/or folded edges to create a flatsurface. Further, there is a need for product packaging that facilitatesunique display capabilities. There is also a need for packaging that canbe easily replaced to its original form after the articles have beenremoved for purposes of effective re-packaging. There is a further needfor packaging having useful applications beyond the time of consumerpurchase and removal of the article from the packaging. There is also aneed for a packaging that allows for inclusion or attachment of printedmaterial relating to the article located within the packaging.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention meets some or all of the above needs by providinga ball packaging that includes an elongated arm, a gripping portion anda mounting structure. The elongated arm may be configured to partiallysurround a ball inserted into the packaging. The elongated arm mayinclude a first end portion and a second end portion. One or more of thefirst end portion and second end portion of the elongated arm mayinclude one or more gripping portions. The one or more gripping portionsmay include a first gripping portion having a gripping contact surfacelocated proximate the first end portion of the arm. A second grippingportion may be located proximate the second end portion of the arm andin generally axially opposing relationship with the first grippingportion. The first and second gripping portions may be configured forgripping a ball and securing it in place, which optionally may be absentany further stabilizing structure. The mounting structure may be locatedon the arm between the first and second gripping portions. The mountingstructure may have a width that is approximately the width of the arm atits largest width along the arm.

In another aspect, the present invention provides for a ball packagingincluding a stressing portion, a top gripping portion, a bottom grippingportion and a mounting portion. The stressing portion may induce astress state in the ball packaging when a ball is introduced therein.The top gripping portion and bottom gripping portion may each be locatedtoward an end of the stressing portion so that the gripping portionsapply pressure to a ball for maintaining the ball in a generally fixedposition. The mounting portion may be located on the stressing portionfor attaching the ball packaging to an adjoining structure andmaintaining the ball in a generally suspended relation from anyadjoining structure.

As can be appreciated from the above summary and the remaining teachingsherein, the packaging of the present invention offers any of a number ofbenefits and advantages. The amount of packaging used to ship, store anddisplay the articles may be reduced as compared to traditional box-likepackaging. The packaging may allow for simplified stacking but containsno empty package space to facilitate the stacking. The packaging mayeasily be removed from an article and replaced and/or employed in asubsequent additional use. The packaging may be able to avoid crushingand/or other damage as often occurs with standard paper-based packagingmaterials. The packaging may be mounted onto any vertical surface toallow for creative retail display, or storage by a purchasing consumer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative example of the packagingof the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the packaging of FIG. 1 shown without aball placed within the packaging.

FIG. 3 is a view of an illustrative example of a top gripping portion.

FIG. 4 is a view of an illustrative example of a bottom grippingportion.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an illustrative example of a packagingdisplay showing stacked packagings in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a view of the packaging of FIG. 2 shown mounted to a verticalsurface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, the invention described herein provides for a packaging thatincludes an elongated arm, a gripping structure and a mountingstructure. The elongated arm may also be described as a stressingportion. The gripping structure may include a first and second grippingportion (e.g., a top and bottom gripping portion). Also provided herein,is a method for shipping and displaying the packagings of the presentinvention. In general, various of the advantages herein may be possibleby situating a mounting structure along the elongated arm.

Advantageously, the packaging may be formed so that the grippingstructure includes first and second gripping portions. The first andsecond gripping portions may be aligned generally axially with eachother. The first and second gripping portions may lie in a common plane.The ball packaging may be symmetrical about at least two axes. Thepackaging may be formed so that during attachment to an adjoiningstructure, the elongated arm is vertically aligned and the first andsecond gripping portions are aligned along an axis generally parallel tothe adjoining structure. The elongated arm may be generally arcuate witha substantially constant cross-sectional profile between the first andsecond gripping portions. The mounting structure may be integrallyformed in the arm.

The first gripping portion (e.g., the top gripping portion) may beconfigured for engaging a second gripping portion (e.g., the bottomgripping portion) of an adjacent ball packaging. The bottom grippingportion may be configured for engaging the top portion of an adjacentball packaging. The top gripping portion and bottom gripping portion maybe configured to allow for stacking with additional ball packagings oflike structure. The top gripping portion and bottom gripping portion mayinclude structures that allow for a connection between two or morepackagings so that the connection provides for balanced and securestacking of packagings.

The packaging may be formed so that the gripping portions function forhorizontally supporting a ball. The gripping portions may also besuspended from a vertical wall in the absence of any additionalhorizontal support structure. The packaging may be formed so that thefunction of the stressing portion and gripping portions relies on theelasticity of the material used to form the stressing portion andgripping portions. The stressing portion and gripping portions may exertsufficient force on a ball so that the ball does not rotate within thepackaging during shipment or display.

In another aspect, the present invention contemplates a method forshipping a plurality of ball packagings, each having a ball therein.Specifically, the method includes the steps of providing a plurality ofballs for shipment, packaging each ball in a ball packaging, stackingthe plurality of balls for shipment and shipping the plurality ofstacked balls. As further described herein, the ball packagings mayinclude an elongated arm, a top gripping portion having a protruded areaand a bottom gripping portion having a cavity formed within thatcorresponds in shape to the protruded area of the top gripping portion.

The present invention further contemplates a method for displaying aplurality of balls in a retail setting comprising the steps of receivinga plurality of balls, each within a ball packaging, and displaying thepackaged balls. The displaying of the packagings may be facilitated bythe ball packaging including an elongated arm, a top gripping portionhaving a protruded area, a bottom gripping portion in generally axiallyopposing relationship with the top gripping portion and having a cavityformed within that corresponds in shape to the protruded area of the topgripping portion and a mounting structure located on the arm between thetop gripping portion and bottom gripping portion. The ball packagingsmay then be displayed so that the cavities of the bottom grippingportions engage the protruded areas of the top gripping portions ofadjacent ball packagings.

Also contemplated within the scope of the teachings herein is a displayincluding one or more ball packagings located onto a vertical surfacevia the mounting structure. A display may include both stacked ballpackagings and mounted ball packagings. A display may include ballpackagings that are both stacked and mounted to a vertical surface foradded stability.

The teachings of the present invention contemplate the employment of anelongated arm structure that is configured to include gripping portionsand a mounting portion between the gripping portions. The elongated armis configured to partially surround (e.g., from about 45° to about 315°of the circumference of the article) the article and maintain thearticle in the packaging via the gripping portion. The elongated arm mayinclude a first end portion and a second end portion and may begenerally vertically aligned. The elongated arm may be generally arcuateand may have a substantially constant cross-sectional profile. Theelongated arm may be configured to partially surround articles placedwithin the packaging so that the arm extends no greater than 180° aboutany articles within the packaging. The elongated arm may comprise astressing portion for inducing a stress state in the packaging whenarticles are placed therein. The elongated arm (e.g., the stressingportion) may exert sufficient force upon articles within the packagingso that the articles are maintained within the packaging.

The elongated arm (e.g., stressing portion) may also include a grippingstructure. The gripping structure may include a first gripping portionlocated proximate the first end of the elongated arm and a secondgripping portion located proximate the second end of the elongated arm.The gripping structure may include only the first and second grippingportions. The first and second gripping portions may lie in a commonplane. The first and second gripping portions may both include agripping contact surface for contacting any articles contained withinthe packaging. The first gripping portion may be arranged so that itgenerally opposes the second gripping portion. The gripping structure(e.g., the first and second gripping portions) may be configured forgripping any articles within the packaging and securing those articleswithin the packaging absent any additional stabilizing structure. Thegripping portions may also apply pressure to any articles within thepackaging so that those articles are maintained within the packaging anddo not shift within the packaging. The gripping portions may allow forarticles to be suspended from a vertical surface in the absence of anyadditional horizontal support structure. The gripping portions mayfunction to horizontally support articles within the packaging. Thegripping portions may be configured to allow stacking of multiplepackagings. The first gripping portion (e.g., top gripping portion) maybe configured so that it engages the second gripping portion (e.g.,bottom gripping portion) of an adjacent packaging, thereby allowing onepackaging to be placed directly on top of a second packaging.

The elongated arm may also include a mounting structure located thereon.The mounting structure may be integrally formed with the elongated arm.The mounting structure may be located between the first and secondgripping portions. The width of the mounting structure may be equal tothe width of the elongated arm at its widest point. The mountingstructure may include an aperture. The aperture may be configuredreceive a securing structure that allows for the packaging to be mountedon a vertical surface via the aperture. The securing structure mayinclude one or more screws, nails, clips, fasteners or any similarstructure that can be placed through the aperture so that the packagingis securely suspended from a vertical surface. The securing structuremay further be re-usable, so that a packaging may be mounted to avertical surface via the securing structure and later removed from thevertical surface and re-mounted elsewhere via the securing structure.The aperture may also be of a size so that screws or nails of a widevariety of sizes may be used to mount the packagings.

The first and second gripping portions may include one or more openings(e.g., insert retention portions) for receiving inserts and thereafterpreventing the inserts from dislodging. The insert retention portionsmay comprise one or more apertures, so that at least a portion of theinserts may be placed through the one or more apertures. The insertretention portions may further include a means for maintaining the oneor more inserts within the one or more apertures so that the insertsremain in place on the packaging and do not become separated from thepackaging. The insert retention portions may include a means forfastening the inserts to the packaging. The fastening means may includeclips, screws or other fasteners. The fastening means may include aclamping structure that allows the insert to enter an opening butprevents removal of the insert by clamping onto the insert if anyattempt is made to remove the insert. The insert may loop through anopening of an insert retention portion so that the insert remains inplace. The insert retention portions may be configured so that insertscan be interchanged and/or replaced while a packaging is in use.

The inserts may include printed information such as promotionalmaterials, logos, product specifications, or the like. The inserts maybe attached to the first gripping portion, the second gripping portion,or both. The insert may include one continuous portions of material ormay include multiple portions. The insert itself may provide a stressstate such that the insert assists in maintaining the articles withinthe packaging.

The ability of the packaging to maintain articles within relies on theamount of elasticity and rigidity of the materials used to formelongated arm (e.g., stressing portion) and gripping portions. Thus, thestressing portion and gripping portions may be formed of a material thatsupplies sufficient rigidity for articles to be held in place by thecompressive force created by the stressing portion and grippingportions. The stressing and gripping portions may be composed of thesame materials or of different materials. The first gripping portion andsecond gripping portion may be composed of the same material or ofdifferent materials. The material of the gripping portions may besufficiently rigid to provide a horizontal support surface upon whicharticles may be placed. However, the material of the stressing portionmay also be sufficiently flexible so that the stressing portion cancompress and exert a force in order to hold articles within thepackaging. The compression of the stressing portion (e.g., the elongatedarm) may cause the first gripping portion and second gripping portion tomove toward one another when no articles are located within thepackaging. The flexibility of the stressing portion may also facilitatethe inclusion of articles having various sizes (e.g., diameters) so thatsufficient compressive force may be exerted on any articles having adiameter within a given range. Thus, the flexibility of the elongatedarm may allow the packaging to clamp down upon articles of varyingdiameter placed within the package.

Materials providing this requisite rigidity and flexibility may includepolymeric materials including but not limited to thermoplastics,thermoset plastics, elastomeric containing materials or any combinationthereof. Examples of polymeric and elastomeric materials that may beemployed include nylon, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, high-densitypolyethylene, low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene,polyvinylidene chloride polyamide, polyester, polystyrene, polyethylene,polyethylene terephthlate, bio-based plastics/biopolymers (e.g., polylactic acid), silicone, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), rubber,polyisoprene, butyl rubber, polybutadiene, EPM rubber, EPDM rubber, orany combination thereof. Additional suitable materials may includebio-plastics such as those derived from wood pulp-based lignin (e.g.,liquid wood), sugarcane or other petroleum-free moldable materials.These materials may be suitable for both the elongated arm and grippingportions. However, as indicated above, the elongated arm and grippingportions may or may not be composed of the same material. In addition,any insert retention portions may also be composed of any materialslisted above. The insert retention portions may be composed of the samematerial as the gripping portions, or may be composed of a differentmaterial.

As discussed herein, the mounting structure may be integrally formedwith the elongated arm. As such, the mounting structure may be composedof the same material as the elongated arm. However, the mountingstructure may also include additional materials and/or areas ofreinforcement where additional amounts and/or types of material may beincluded to provide support to the mounting structure. In the event thatthe packaging is mounted onto a vertical surface, the material of themounting structure may provide sufficient strength so that the mountingstructure maintains contact with the vertical surface without bending ordeformity of the packaging.

As shown for example in FIG. 1, the packaging 10 may include anelongated arm 12, a first gripping portion 14, a second gripping portion16, and a mounting structure 18. The first gripping portion 14 mayinclude a protruded area 20. The mounting structure 18 may include anaperture 22. The packaging 10 may further include insert retentionportions 24 and an insert 26 maintained therein. The packaging 10 isshown having an inflated ball 40 placed therein.

FIG. 2 shows an illustrative example of how the packaging 10 may bemounted to a vertical surface 28. The elongated arm 12 is shown as beingintegrally formed with a mounting structure 18, which further comprisesan aperture 22. A fastening structure 30 may be placed through theaperture 22 to secure the packaging 10 to the vertical surface 28. FIG.6 shows an example packaging 10 of the present invention mounted onto avertical surface 28 via the aperture 22 and fastening structure 30 ofthe mounting structure 18.

As shown for example in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first gripping portion (e.g.,top gripping portion) 14 may include a protruded area 20. The secondgripping portion (e.g., the bottom gripping portion) 16 may include acavity portion 32. The protruded area 20 and cavity area 32 may includeone or more extensions 34, 36. FIG. 5 shows two stacked packagings 42,44 including balls 40 placed therein. The top packaging 42 is shown sothat extensions 36 of the cavity area 32 engage the extensions 34 of theprotruded area 20 located on the bottom packaging 44.

The packagings described herein may be used to display a customizablerounded article. As a specific example, an inflatable ball may include acustomized imprint, drawing, photo, or the like. Thus, a consumer whopurchases a customized product may be less likely to use the ball fortraditional play and more likely to display the customized productwithin their home or office. The packagings may be used to displaycollectible products, such as those containing player autographs, orinsignia pertaining to a championship year. A consumer may thus purchasethe packaging separately from the product itself, specifically for thepurposes of displaying a customized or collectable product.

The nature of the packagings described herein allows for substantialvariability in the shipping, storage and display of rounded articles. Aspreviously described, the packagings may be particularly useful for thepackaging of sporting equipment, including balls that may be in inflatedor deflated form. A ball may be inflated, packaged, shipped anddisplayed. Alternatively, a plurality of balls may be shipped in adeflated form and packaged along with (or separately from) a pluralityof packagings. The packagings may be nestingly stacked so that thedeflated balls and stacked packagings inhabit a minimal amount ofpackaging space. Once the balls and packagings have been shipped, theballs may be inflated and placed within the packagings. The packagingsmay then be displayed and/or shipped to an additional location ifnecessary.

As an additional benefit, the packagings may be displayed at onelocation (e.g., a retail point-of-sale) and later displayed at a secondlocation which may be another retail location or a purchaser's home orbusiness. Thus, the packaging may be configured for attachment to avertical surface at one location and later attachment to a differentvertical surface or a vertical surface at a second location. Thepackaging may be attached, detached, re-attached multiple times with nodamage to the packaging or packaging contents. The nature of there-attachment capability of the packaging simplifies product returns,allowing a returned product to be immediately placed onto retaildisplays or shelving without the need for time consuming re-packaging.

Any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lowervalue to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that thereis a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and anyhigher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of acomponent or a value of a process variable such as, for example,temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90,preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intendedthat values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc. areexpressly enumerated in this specification. For values which are lessthan one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 asappropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intendedand all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowestvalue and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to beexpressly stated in this application in a similar manner. As can beseen, the teaching of amounts expressed as “parts by weight” herein alsocontemplates the same ranges expressed in terms of percent by weight.Thus, an expression in the Detailed Description of the Invention of arange in terms of at “‘x’ parts by weight of the resulting polymericblend composition” also contemplates a teaching of ranges of samerecited amount of “x” in percent by weight of the resulting polymericblend composition.”

Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and allnumbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” inconnection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of atleast the specified endpoints.

The disclosures of all articles and references, including patentapplications and publications, are incorporated by reference for allpurposes. The term “consisting essentially of” to describe a combinationshall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified,and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do notmaterially affect the basic and novel characteristics of thecombination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” todescribe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or stepsherein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of theelements, ingredients, components or steps. By use of the term “may”herein, it is intended that any described attributes that “may” beincluded are optional.

Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by asingle integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively,a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might bedivided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps.The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient,component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements,ingredients, components or steps.

It will be appreciated that the above is by way of illustration only.Other ingredients may be employed in any of the compositions disclosedherein, as desired, to achieve the desired resulting characteristics.

It is understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as manyapplications besides the examples provided will be apparent to those ofskill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of theinvention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to theabove description, but should instead be determined with reference tothe appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to whichsuch claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles andreferences, including patent applications and publications, areincorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in thefollowing claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosedherein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it beregarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to bepart of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for shipping a plurality of ballscomprising the steps of: providing a plurality of balls for shipment ata first location; packaging each ball in a ball packaging that includesan elongated arm, a top gripping portion having a protruded area and abottom gripping portion having a cavity formed within that correspondsin shape to the protruded area of the top gripping portion; stacking theplurality of balls during shipment so that the cavity of a bottomgripping portion engages the protruded area of a top gripping portion ofan adjacent ball packaging; shipping the plurality of balls to a secondlocation; and attaching one or more ball packagings to a verticalsurface at the second location.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising the step of detaching one or more ball packagings from avertical surface at the second location and attaching the one or moreball packagings to a different vertical surface at the second location.3. The method of claim 1; further comprising the steps of: i. detachingone or more ball packaging a vertical surface at the second location;ii. shipping the one or more ball packagings to a third location; andiii. attaching the one or more ball packagings to a vertical surface ata third location.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the elongated arm iscurved and induces a stress state by partially surrounding the ball. 5.The method of claim 1, wherein the ball packaging includes exactly twogripping portions.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the ball packagingincludes a mounting structure located on the arm between the first andsecond gripping portions.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the mountingstructure includes an aperture for receiving a fastener located alongthe arm.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein when attached to the verticalsurface, the elongated arm is generally vertically aligned.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the first and second gripping portions arealigned generally axially with each other along an axis generallyparallel to the vertical surface.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein thegripping structures include one or more openings that receive an insertand prevent the insert from dislodging.
 11. The method of claim 1,wherein the elongated arm is generally arcuate and has a substantiallyconstant crass-sectional profile between the first and second grippingportions.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the elongated arm extendsno greater than 180° about the ball when inserted.
 13. The method ofclaim 6, wherein the mounting structure is integrally formed in the arm.14. The method of claim 1, wherein the ball packaging is symmetricalabout at least two axes.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the grippingportions lie in a common plane.